Academic training pathways – IAT/ICA
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, the NIHR offers a comprehensive range of pathways. The Health & Care Research Training Hub is the go-to place in Sussex for accessing guidance, advice and support on these pathways.
These pathways can be accessed at any stage of the programme, and at any point in your career if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Integrated Academic Training (IAT) Programme
The IAT Programme at BSMS combines research and clinical practice, providing a platform for Medical Doctors to advance their academic careers. Tailored for those passionate about merging academia with hands-on clinical experience, this program offers a structured pathway encompassing postgraduate research, clinical training, and professional development.
BSMS currently hosts 20 Academic Clinical Fellows and three Clinical Lecturers across several specialities, with a strong focus on Infectious Diseases and Neuroscience.
Research Opportunities at BSMS and trainee experiences
At BSMS, our health research is recognised for driving meaningful change at local, national, and global levels. We are committed to advancing medical treatments, addressing key biomedical and clinical challenges, and developing more tailored healthcare solutions for patients.
As a diverse and collaborative research community, we bring together expertise across a wide range of fields, from laboratory-based studies to social science and clinical research. Our strong partnerships with the local NHS enable us to work directly with patients, and fostering a bench to bedside approach to research. This close integration between research and clinical practice makes BSMS an exceptional environment for clinical academics, providing opportunities to engage in impactful research while delivering high-quality patient care.
Click below to hear from the professors and heads of departments at some of our key research centres about the exciting work happening at BSMS.
Dr Simon Mitchell (Research Lead for Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Director of the Sussex Cancer Research Centre) and Professor Andrea Pepper (Head of Department for Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Cancer Research Scientist) talk about some of the fascinating research opportunities at BSMS and the Sussex Cancer Research Centre:
Dr James Price (Clinical Academic in Infection, BSMS) talks about research opportunities in Infection in Sussex, and why BSMS is an exciting place for infections research:
Professor Tim Chevassut (Chair of Haematology and Director of Academic Training at BSMS) talks about the important Haematology research taking place in Sussex:
Brighton and Sussex Medical School has a strong track record of developing highly talented researchers. Many of our Academic Clinical Fellows have secured competitive research training fellowships to complete PhDs and have progressed into prestigious senior academic roles. Click the links below to hear from Clinical Lecturers, past and present, as they share their experiences and reflect on the opportunities, support, and career development that BSMS offers.
Dr Fiona Creswell (Consultant in HIV and Sexual Health at University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Scientist) shares her experience of the Integrated Academic Training Programme and being a Clinical Lecturer at BSMS:
Dr Hussien Elkholy (Clinical Lecturer in Psychiatry at BSMS) shares his experience of applying for the Clinical Lecture post, and some words of advice for potential applicants:
The Research Training Hub provides dedicated guidance and support throughout to all trainees on their journey through the IAT Programme. All BSMS Academic Clinical Fellows (ACFs) and Clinical Lecturers (CLs) will receive a comprehensive induction pack to help them make the most of their time at BSMS. You can download the Autumn 2024 Induction Pack by clicking the link below.
Download the pack here >
Integrated Clinical & Practitioner Academic Fellowship
The NHS England / NIHR Integrated Clinical and Practitioner Academic (ICA) Programme provides research training awards for health and social care professionals, excluding doctors and dentists, who wish to develop careers that combine research and research leadership with continued practice and professional development.
If you would like to discuss this fellowship in more detail, please contact us here.
Internships
Internships are short duration awards for individuals with little or no research experience. They deliver a range of taught and academically supervised components that engage and expose the award holder to a research environment. Interns develop the practical skills required to undertake a research project or to develop a project idea, supported by an expert supervisor.
The award covers salary costs for the days undertaking the Internship and away from their health or care role.
Pre-doctoral Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship (PCAF)
The PCAF scheme offers two distinct funding streams, which allow applicants to choose the level of support most appropriate to their individual requirements.
Standard PCAF
- Full time for 12 months / part time over 24 or 30 months
- Salary costs (for the time spent undertaking the Fellowship)
- Up to £5,000 towards Master’s level training
- Up to £1,000 for conference/meeting fees and associated travel and subsistence
- Research development support costs up to £1000 (supervision and/or PPI costs)
PCAF Bridge
- 4 days per week for 6 months / 2 days per week for 12 months.
- Salary costs (for the time spent undertaking the Fellowship)
- Up to £400 for formal courses
- Up to £500 for conference/meeting fees and associated travel and subsistence
- Research development support costs up to £500 (supervision and/or PPI costs)
Doctoral Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship
Fellows must
- Be based at English NHS Trust, other health care organisation or HEI
- Hold a minimum of 1 year’s clinical experience and current statutory registration
- Have the support of excellent academic supervision and clinical supervision
Funding and support
- 3 years FT (with part-time options)
- Funds salary (for academic time and clinical time), research costs, academic training costs (inc. PhD fees), professional training & development costs, and the costs of research visits and conference attendance
Advanced Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship
Fellows may
- Have recently completed or soon to be awarded a PhD but haven’t yet established themselves as an independent researcher
- Be starting to establish themselves as an independent researcher, or who are already established as an independent researcher but are not yet recognised as an international leader in their field
- Be seeking to re-establish their research career following a significant career break
- Be seeking to re-establish their research career following time back in clinical practice
Funding and support
- 2-5 years WTE (between 50 and 100% WTE)
- Funding for salary, research costs and training and development costs, including £2000 per year conference related costs
- It is possible to apply for two sequential Fellowships up to a total of 8 years
Clinical / Practice time
- 20% and 40% of the award time must be dedicated to development of the awardee’s clinical service or practice role which will be funded through the Fellowship
Fellowships for All
The NIHR Fellowship programme supports individuals with the potential and on a trajectory to become future leaders in NIHR research. This programme is open all NHS employees who can demonstrate a role in, or contribution to, improving health and wellbeing, health and social care or services.
Local Authority Academic Fellowship Programme
This programme of fellowship schemes and short placement awards supports individuals based within English local authority settings to develop as health and/or social care researchers whilst retaining their existing employment and salary. This new initiative provides exciting opportunities for a wide range of individuals.